2-3 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The Planning Team Leader is responsible for delivering complex town planning advice and services, including development management, planning policy formulation, and regeneration projects. • This role leads teams of professional planners and regeneration officers, providing expert guidance on design matters, overseeing project delivery, and representing the organisation in high-level negotiations. • The postholder will ensure that planning activities support sustainable development, economic growth, and community well-being, while maintaining compliance with legislative requirements and organisational priorities. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Provide complex and specialised planning advice, including the determination of planning applications and preparation of planning policies and guidance. • Lead design-related activities within the team, offering design advice, managing design codes and masterplans, and ensuring quality standards in developments. • Manage and lead teams of professional planners and regeneration officers to deliver outcomes focused on client needs, including Cabinet, committees, and other stakeholders. • Make informed decisions on development management, policy, and regeneration projects with significant environmental, economic, and community impacts. • Advise on statutory planning processes, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and monitoring of policy effectiveness. • Represent the organisation at formal meetings, including committees, steering groups, and public examinations. • Negotiate with senior representatives from government bodies, developers, landowners, and community leaders on planning and regeneration matters. • Manage projects, including budget oversight up to £100k, ensuring governance and compliance with legislation and policies. • Commission and oversee research to support planning decisions and regeneration initiatives. • Promote continuous improvement, innovation, and service excellence within the planning team. Skills/Experience: • Extensive experience in town planning and urban regeneration, preferably within a major city context. • Proven ability to deliver results on complex technical projects within set deadlines. • Experience preparing detailed reports for senior officers, committees, and external organisations. • Strong skills in public consultation and stakeholder engagement. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of producing clear, concise, and well-structured documentation. • Political awareness and understanding of local government service provision and financial constraints. • Competence in project and team management, including motivating and coordinating professional staff. • Ability to remain calm and resilient under pressure, maintaining professionalism and focus. • Customer-oriented mindset with a commitment to service quality and continuous improvement. Additional Information: • Degree or relevant professional qualification in planning or related discipline, with evidence of ongoing professional development.